Learn about the programs available for our middle school members in Mower County 4-H. These programs are available for youth in grades 6-8 unless otherwise specified.
Note: The programs offered each year may vary based on interest, resources and volunteers.
Advisory Board - for grades 7 and up
The Advisory Board is the governing body of Mower County 4-H. It is an elected group of youth and adults who carry out business for the 4-H program each year, including creating a budget, making policy changes, and more. Members are elected at the annual meeting in October. Youth terms are one year.
Agriculture and Food Science Exploration Day
Mower County 4-H and Riverland Community College have partnered to bring youth in grades 6+ an opportunity to explore agriculture and food science through hands-on learning opportunities and tours. This event is held in June.
Ambassadors - for grades 7 and up
The Mower County 4-H Ambassador program provides intentional opportunities for youth to represent 4-H through leadership and citizenship that contributes meaningfully to their communities. Ambassadors are a select team of Mower 4-H youth who are interested in developing and refining skills to teach other 4-H youth. Ambassadors help with day camps, Halloween Haunted House, county fair, community service projects, and more. Open to youth grades 7+.
Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU)
The 4-H Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) program is an exciting and fun leadership adventure for you in grades 6-9 that brings together youth from across the state of Minnesota. Hosted by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors, each retreat uses a youth-teaching-youth model to teach a leadership topic, participate in team-building activities, and meet other youth from their region.
Held in February. Registration due in January.
Day camps
Does your child love to explore? Try new things? Look no further than Mower County 4-H summer day camps! Day camps are a great way for kids to learn about different project areas. They are held during the summer. Registration information is sent out in the spring.
Day Camp Counselors - for grades 7 and up
Day Camp counselors are older 4-H members (completed 7th grade) who support younger youth (who have completed grades 3-6) in learning and help them have an affirming and fun day camp experience.
Junior Master Gardeners
Through this program, youth learn about gardening and nutrition. By the end of the program, youth will have projects to exhibit at the County Fair.
Little Lock In
The 4-H Ambassadors host the Little Lock In for kids in grades 3-6. Activities usually include swimming, basketball, volleyball, board games, and more! A pizza party is held at the end of the night. This event is typically held in March.
Minnesota State Fair
4-H at the Minnesota State Fair is not just a fun annual event. Every summer, thousands of 4-H youth participate in the state fair to showcase the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year, and to continue their learning experiences.
Project Bowl
4-H Project Bowls challenge teams of 3-6 youth on their knowledge of these 4-H areas: Dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama, plant science, poultry, and rabbit. Youth can create teams and compete with their friends at a regional competition and state competition (if they qualify). Youth in grades 3 and up can participate.
Regional 4-H camp
Held in June, 4-H Camp at Whitewater State Park allows 4-H members to have fun, meet new friends, and explore new things! Campers will spend three days and two nights at camp enjoying swimming, hiking, nature activities, games, the arts, music, crafts, educational programs, great food, cabin life, reflective campfires, and more!
Throughout camp, you will experience and learn leadership, teamwork, cooperation, and self responsibility while making health lifestyle choices. 4-H staff and high school aged camp counselors (grades 9-12+) are prepared and ready to deliver an exciting and safe camp for you. You do not want to miss 4-H Camp during the summer. Camp is open to all youth in grades 3-8.
Registration closes in May.
Shooting sports and wildlife
Youth will explore firearms safety and the importance of conserving Minnesota’s natural resources. Trained and certified 4-H leaders throughout Minnesota lead this program. Youth can participate in a variety of programs, depending on their age:
- Wildlife (All ages)
- BB gun (3rd grade & older)
- Archery (3rd grade & older)
- Air rifle and air pistol (4th grade & older)
4-H YELLO Conference - for grades 7 and up
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7 and up that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
The conference is held in June.
Youth livestock superintendent - for grades 8 and up
The goal of the youth livestock superintendents is to allow the youth to take a leadership position with Mower County 4-H livestock. Through this position the youth will expand upon their leadership skills, work together as a team and be role models in practicing safe and humane animal agriculture.
Applications are due in October.